A ball python measuring 1.07 meters is recuperating under the care of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society following its discovery by a worker at an east Windsor sewage plant. The snake was found by Jeff Miller, the chief operator at the Little River Pollution Control Plant, last Friday. Initially spotted on the plant’s inlet screens, approximately 7.6 meters underground, the snake then made its way into a collection bin and attempted to climb to safety.
Ed Valdez, the pollution control executive director at the City of Windsor, explained that Miller stumbled upon the snake while performing his duties in one of the “rag bins” where the initial cleaning process occurs. Valdez expressed gratitude that the snake had likely climbed up on its own without going through the machinery.
Valdez speculated that the snake had not been in the area for long, considering the regular inspections. He suggested that the python may have escaped from someone’s home through a window or a pet entrance and entered a curb catch basin.
Lynnette Bain, the executive director of the local humane society, estimated the female python to be around three to five years old. Bain revealed that the snake had endured some wear and tear navigating through small spaces but is expected to fully recover under medical treatment at the facility.
Efforts are being made to improve the snake’s body condition, with daily soaking sessions to aid shedding. While the plant staff have rescued various animals from the screening system over the years, snakes typically do not survive the ordeal.
Bain addressed speculations on how the snake ended up in the sewer, suggesting possibilities of being flushed down a toilet or escaping through small openings. She emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership and urged against releasing exotic pets into the wild.
The future placement of the snake remains uncertain, as the City of Windsor does not allow snake adoptions. Bain mentioned the possibility of seeking experienced individuals in the surrounding area who are knowledgeable about ball pythons for potential adoption considerations.